2005 Mercedes Benz C230
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1997 | 7 |
| 1998 | 39 |
| 1999 | 29 |
| 2000 | 29 |
| 2001 | 4 |
| 2002 | 54 |
| 2003 | 51 |
| 2004 | 31 |
| 2005 | 85 |
| 2006 | 116 |
| 2007 | 212 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
53% of complaints: air bags — 45 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES BENZ C230.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210204
I WAS INVOLVED IN A 1 VEHICLE ACCIDENT WHERE THE DRIVER, LEFT CURTAIN AND LEFT SIDE AIRBAGS WERE DEPLOYED. UPON CLOSE EXAMINATION OF THE FAILING DRIVER'S AIRBAG, I FOUND OBVIOUS SIGNS OF PERFORATIONS AND BURN-THROUGH.
NHTSA ODI report, 20181127
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES C230. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 45 MPH WHEN A VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE DRIVERS SIDE BY OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120612
12% of complaints: electrical system — 10 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
ON A WAY FROM ROAD TRIP I WAS DRIVING ( NIGHT DRIVE) MY HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT IN MIDDLE OF DRIVING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20131019
The SAM system failed and car would not start !It took months to be diagnosed by 3 different mechanics! The message said quite often that the Air bags have been deployed !The dealer could not determine the issue!
NHTSA ODI report, 20240322
7% of complaints: power train — 6 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: engine — 6 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
Vehicle began smoking on highway. No check engine or indicator of any fault codes. No previous coolant or oil leaks, or fuel leaks appeared to be visible or of issue.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230518
5% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 4 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
WHIEL DRIVING, THE CONSUMER STARTED TO SMELL GAS IN THE CAR, THE CONSUMER PULLED OVER TO SIDE OF ROAD, LEFT THE CAR RUNNING, POPPED THE HOOD AND FIRE EMITTED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. INSURANCE CO. FARMERS, ROBERT GONZALES 956-454-2046*JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20041008
SAFETY TIMELINE
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
Remedy: MBUSA will their notify owners, and Fiat Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler owners. Dealers for the respective brands will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. This recall began November 2016.
Campaign 16V081000 — check if this car was fixed
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 vehicles. The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly resulting in the glass panel detaching from the vehicle.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the glass panel bonding and replace the sliding roof, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 10, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Campaign 19V918000 — check if this car was fixed
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and may detach.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 3, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall expands NHTSA recall number 19V-918.
Campaign 22V954000 — check if this car was fixed
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and can detach.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Campaign 24V874000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2005 Mercedes Benz C230 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (45 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 16V081000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V918000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V954000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V874000 (visibility) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2005 Mercedes Benz C230 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 Mercedes Benz C230 is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Mercedes Benz C230?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 53% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 Mercedes Benz C230 have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.